Granite Falls seeks first home playoff game since 1990s

Light rain turned to a downpour at Granite Falls High School on Wednesday as the football team ran drills on the field.

The weather obscured the view from the sideline, but the program's direction is distinct. The Tigers enter Friday's game against King's with a chance to repeat as Emerald Sound 1A champions. A win would position them to host a Week 10 winner-to-state matchup. A subsequent victory in that game would send them to the 1A State tournament for the first time since 2021. It would also be the program's second state tournament appearance since 1990.

Coach Brandon Davis credited a five-day trip to Hawaii in early September for the team's current momentum. The trip, funded by the school's athletic department, the booster club, and the Kaylee Scholarship Association, included a game against Nanakuli High School, a visit to Pearl Harbor, and a luau. The Tigers lost that opener 41-10. They also dropped a road game to Toledo, starting the season 0-2. Since then, the team has won six consecutive games. Those victories include wins over South Whidbey and Cedar Park Christian.

The defense has changed its approach after giving up more than 40 points in each of the first two games. In the six games since, Granite Falls has allowed 47 points while scoring 226. Senior linebacker Landon Gwinner said the team adopted a "bend don't break" mentality to improve body language. That shift appeared in a 26-0 win over Lakeside on Sept. 25. The Tigers stopped Lakeside's first offensive drive inside the five-yard line and carried that confidence forward.

Offensive lineman and running back Beau Everson credits the offensive line and wide receivers for the unit's versatility. The team returns a core that beat King's 20-14 last year to end the Knights' six-year conference title streak. That win led to a loss to La Center in the winner-to-state game. Davis said he almost does not recognize the team compared to the group that flew to Hawaii on Sept. 4.

Granite Falls is ranked No. 8 in the 1A RPI Rankings, while King's sits at No. 14. The Knights have dominated the conference in recent years. Davis said the team will focus on controlling small details and staying competitive. A win on Friday would improve the Tigers' standing for hosting the Week 10 game. The coach noted the program has not hosted a postseason game in 30 or 40 years.